Victory: Dow AgroSciences beagles will head to Michigan Humane Society for TLC and happy futures

By on March 28, 2019 with 65 Comments

Dow AgroSciences will release the beagles who were being used in a pesticide test to the Michigan Humane Society where they will be cared for and readied for adoption into loving homes. This is the exact outcome we have been working toward for many months now, since our undercover investigator found these beagles being used for the test, and we are grateful to Dow AgroSciences (Corteva Agriscience) for making the right decision for the dogs.

I am also incredibly proud and grateful for you, our followers, without whom this victory would not have been possible. Hundreds of thousands of you contacted Corteva, first to demand an end to the testing, and then to ask that the company work with the Humane Society of the United States to find a suitable shelter for the dogs.

I want to applaud our amazing staff at the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International who worked tirelessly to get these beagles out. Their expertise and devotion, as well as the strong partnerships we have built with the animal sheltering community nationwide, have made all of the difference for these dogs.

The last two weeks have been intense, beginning with our Animal Research Issues and Investigations teams releasing the undercover investigation at the Charles River Laboratories in Michigan, where dogs were being tested for various products, including one of Corteva’s pesticides. While most of the dogs our investigator encountered were killed at the end of the studies they were part of, we discovered that 36 beagles in the Corteva study were undergoing unnecessary testing for a pesticide intended for Brazil, and we had a chance to get them out.

Right away, our HSI staff reached out to Brazil and worked to get a waiver for the test. Once Corteva had ended testing, we convinced the company, with your support, to release the beagles to a reputable shelter where they would have the best chance of finding forever homes. The Michigan Humane Society, one of our 350 amazing shelter partners nationwide, stepped up to the plate and agreed to take the dogs under their wing. MHS has the expertise and a proven track record so we know the dogs will be in good hands.

Our investigation succeeded in shining a light on the cruelty of animal testing and in raising awareness, but there are still thousands of dogs suffering in laboratories here in the United States and around the world. Our work to help them continues, but today, I am excited about this important victory, and for these dogs who have never known anything but life behind the bars of metal cages – they were born at a facility that breeds dogs for research after which they were taken to the lab. They deserve the best futures they can possibly get, and we are thrilled for the role we have played in saving their lives and making this outcome happen for them.

Together we can do more to help all animals

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Animal Rescue and Care, Animal Research and Testing, Companion Animals, Investigations

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65 Comments

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  1. Michele Carol Jankelow says:

    I am delighted to hear the news that Corteva are releasing the Beagles into HSUS care. How tragic that the others were destroyed after such brutal experiments! They too were entitled to a loving and caring life! Looking ahead, at least others will not suffer the brutality of lab technicians and chemicals.

    • Deedee Dillingham says:

      I was thinking the same thing. RIP, Harvey and the other sweet dogs who did make it out of the torture chamber.

    • jackie park says:

      i guess little harvey and his fellow friends whom gave their lives to let us know about this tragidy played a massive role in saving the many future beagles,bless u harvey u will Lways be in my heart so sorry we could not save u and your beautiful dog friends.

  2. BEVERLEE LOAT says:

    With purpose and precision. Thank you HSUS!

  3. Debby Ledbetter says:

    I’m so very excited about the pups gaining their overdue release!! I can’t help but wonder what effects the testing has done to these innocent, sentient beings. I’m in Colorado but would gladly apply for adoption, and in fact would consider it an honor to have the blessing of one or more of these loving souls in our home.
    Warm regards to all of the pups and those who were involved in the gaining of the freedom for these so deserving pups.

    • Charmaine Shannon says:

      Thank-You Sooooo Very Much for this Heartfelt Message and the Concern for these Innocent Precious Lives !!!! What “HORRIFIC” Days they must have had and now to think they at least get a Chance at a Safe and Loving Home !!!! Tears of Joy ……

  4. Shelley says:

    Thank God!! I hope they get the best family ever!!! 💓

  5. michele obrien says:

    I’m very pleased that this has happened. Thank you to all involved in getting these pups released. It’s tragic that is happened in the first place.

  6. Ingrid Marquez says:

    Ho my good I’m so excited they made it. Now they will need plenty of donations or loving homes. I will able to provide a donation myself.
    Note . Gently used clothes can be sold on ebay and donate a few dollars to Michigan Humane Society.
    Sincerely
    IM

  7. Kim says:

    It is beyond my imagination how the humane race can be so incredibly cruel to each other and to innocent animals who are only full of unconditional love. Thank you HSUS for all you do to make a difference and to the wonderful staff who take risks every day to find these horribly unfair situations and right them.

    • Teresa says:

      I totally agree. With all the advanced technology we have today, there is absolutely no reason for animal experiment. It need to end today! All these wonderful creatures were not meant for this! Stop 🛑 animal experiments!

  8. Amy says:

    Thank you HSUS and MHS for keeping the public informed and engaged about Corteva and the beagles. It has eased my broken heart to know all phone calls and emails I’ve sent over the past 2 weeks may have contributed. We the people must use our voices to stop cruel testing on animals. It’s horrifying to me that dogs, the most loyal companion animal on the planet are being used in these experiments. A dog is born with qualities that make them dependent on us. I have complied some steps people can take to contribute:
    1) contact your local congress representative
    2) contact the companies that are conducting research on dogs
    3) contact USDA who licenses facilities to breed dogs for research
    4) follow HR 1155

  9. Carla Friedman says:

    I am a new immigrant from Australia and when I saw the video on the plight of those babies I rang Dowagroscience and left a sobbing message for a manager there. I have been worried sick and so sad about those dogs….and now I AM OVER THE MOON WITH JOY to know those fur babies are being released to HSUS. My faith in the kindness of Americans has been restored and thank you to CORTEVA for showing compassion. I am now happier to be in America.

  10. Ena Silva says:

    Thank heavens the 36 beagles will have loving homes. Please post a link where we can follow the beagles. Thank you

  11. Suzie says:

    I want to applaud the under cover investigator who had the strength and courage to witness such horrible acts to do what was needed to expose the truth. It takes a very special person to do this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Much love from Portland.

  12. Angela Renee Garrett says:

    Will there be a fund designated just for them with info on adopters and volunteers for transport and if needed in home checks prior for adoption?

  13. Lori Kuriwchak says:

    I’d really like to know how to adopt one of these beautiful beagles.

  14. Barbara Bielby says:

    I live in Michigan about a hour away from Charles River Labs. In fact my husband was in that lab and was shown the door to the room the Beagles were in. We had no idea that they were doing those horrible acts. Thank you HSUS. For years we have donated to both HSUS and Michigan Humane Society and will continue. You deserve every penny of our donations. We would feel very blessed if you would consider us for one or two of those very precious pups. They would have a very loving life with us to try to take away from the pain they have been thru. God bless all of them.

    • Barbara Apgar says:

      Thank you for your loving words for the rescuers and the beagles

    • Adel Frank says:

      Dear Barbara,
      I just read your comment… I am from the UK and also signed the petition and just want to shout out how wonderful is that those innocent beings are out… thank you to you both!

  15. Jeanie Branam says:

    How can I adopt one of these beagles!!!!’

  16. Natashia says:

    I am overcome with joy for these defenseless animals that have a second chance on life. Thank you Kitty Block and your amazing team! And for all the people who signed the petition. Animal tests are cruel and not necessary. I hope it gets banned in ALL research labs.

  17. Simona says:

    Basta con la sofferenza

  18. Linda Hay says:

    What wonderful news, I cried when I first heard of the appalling tests being carried out on such innocent and trusting beautiful creatures. How these people sleep at night is beyond me.
    Well done to everyone who signed the petition and HSUS for implementing it

  19. Leslie Pickrel says:

    My father died December first of 1998 from Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a direct result of this pesticide poison. Even the hospital acknowledged that with their extensive questioning and testing to pinpoint what happened to him. How many people need to suffer and die, how many animals need to suffer and die, all in the name of science, when we already have that answer???

  20. Denise says:

    I am thrilled to hear of a “new life” for the Beagles but I am concerned for their physical future after being force fed chemicals, I pray they have no lasting effects. My heart breaks to know at this very moment, we still have many animals being abused and tortured in research labs, we must not stop, we must end all testing on animals, how they suffer in silence

  21. Claudia says:

    Gracias por dios 🙏🙏🙏Por fin acabo la pesadilla.Gracias a todo el mundo

  22. John Carlo says:

    It is amazing at all the experiments being carried all over America without the public’s knowledge and yet animals (creatures of God) are being used as guinea pigs. Let’s stop this practice everyone. Become aware and ask questions. Are we humans or savages?

  23. Krissoula Vincent says:

    THANK YOU 😊 many times over, to all involved who’ve made this VICTORY possible!!! I couldn’t be more relieved & HAPPY that you were able to have the 36 precious Beagles released from the TORTURE chambers they were held captive in…to their new found FREEDOM!!! I’ve no doubt that The Michigan Humane Society will do everything possible to ensure the safety of everyone of those pups…by seeing to it that they do end up in nurturing, loving, & SAFE furever homes. I’m pleased to say, that I’m one of those who contacted Corteva to DEMAND that they put a STOP to the ABHORRENT testing. My heart breaks for the countless numbers of poor dogs who never made it out. And for the ones who will continue to undergo such ATROCITIES. Somehow it all MUST to END.

  24. Sylvia S., OCT says:

    Bless ALL those involved in the rescue of the DowAgroSciences beagles. Corteva did the right thing in showing compassion and releasing these innocent animals. NO sentient being deserves what those poor animals were forced to endure. The war hasn’t ended but at least this one battle is won! Moving forward, may this victory be a sign of changes to come.

    “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” -Ghandi

  25. Bel Bluemel says:

    Wonderful news – thank you for all your hard work in making this world a better place.

  26. Bruno Sousa says:

    Great news!😊👏👍

  27. mary morneau says:

    I am so over the moon happy that these dear souls have been freed from the tortuous conditions they had to endure. God Bless the ones who didn’t make it out. I am hoping that this has shed some light on the terrible things that are happening around the world to innocent animals under the guise of “public protection”. Kudos to HSI and The MI HS, for stepping up to uncover this atrocity and for taking these sweet babies in to find them a better future where they will be know nothing but LOVE! Hooray! 🙂

  28. Spike says:

    This is amazing news. Is there a way to apply to adopt one of the rescues?

  29. mel.bnk@gmail.com says:

    Now its time to perform experiments on those who killed these beautiful dogs.
    People of low Morales and no values the sub humans in our society.

  30. Beatriz says:

    I’m so happy! I can’t believe it!! thanks so much for your efforts to get them free!!

  31. Beatriz says:

    Dear Kitty,

    I’m so gratefull for all you do. I wonder if you could help me with some orientation to do at least the liberation of animal’s test in my country, Argentina.
    I have to do it, but have no idea even how to start.
    If you answer me it would be such a big step to help animals at least in my country. I apologize to write to yo here, but I don’t see other way.
    Thanks so much
    Beatriz

  32. Sky M Horwedel says:

    Thank God for helping these beagles.

  33. Sonya Henderson says:

    Poor babies those that have suffered and are suffering right now for the sake of our human race. It’s their world too and not just ours! (Noel Fitzpatrick Supervet). We have to put an end to all cruelty towards all animals everywhere. So blessed those beauties that you have worked so hard to save. Thank you HS… let’s keep donating to you & supporting you🐶. England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

  34. Sue Knaack says:

    I am delighted that those beautiful little pups will find loving homes and kindness. I know that cruel testing on any living creatures should not be for any reason or purpose. We need to end all cruelty to ALL creatures. Thank you HSUS. I am glad that I donated to you.

  35. Lisa Twigg says:

    I was absolutely mortified when I read about this, I can’t believe that these kind of practices are still happening in this day & age. So I’m absolutely ecstatic for the ones who’ve been released.❤️❤️

  36. Monika Baumann says:

    They are God’s Creatures.
    And we shall not kill and hurt, but show compassion and care.
    Our life is short also, let us take the chance, do good, stop the violence (‘God is Love’) and support the vegan lifestyle.
    He is the beginning and the end, one day we will die also.

  37. L.A. Paveling says:

    Thank you.

  38. Margaret Horsfield says:

    Great news xx

  39. Mary Dixon says:

    I’m over pleased & Happy I wanna continue to stop this all over the United States God Bless all of us. & I hope he continue to stop this mad act on all animals these precious pups deserves a Life God made them & he expects them to be Loved with the air we breath and to live a Happy & safe Life. Thanks HSUS for bringing all the details to Life. Although some of us are still blind folded about what’s going on in our World we live in today. Let’s wake them all up I’m still trying to wake up people I talk about this when I go to the store & some people wasn’t aware of what’s going on Let them hear our loud CRY, FOR THESE PRECIOUS ANIMALS…THANK YOU ALL I’M SO HAPPY FOR THE FIRST STEPS OF THESE BABIE’S THAT THEY MAY HAVE A LIFE LIKE MY LIL PUP AND HAVE A SAFE & LOVING HOME.

  40. Toni says:

    Thank you HSUS for this great news!! So relieved. I was nauseous when I saw the video. Thank you to the investigator for your courage. Thank you Dowagroscience for stopping testing on these beautiful animals and for their release. God bless.

  41. Elizabeth Meszaros says:

    I am so happy that these sweet loving dogs are now free. It breaks my heart that we haven’t been able to stop this barbarism. I cry every time I see their adorable faces. I have a rescued Beagle that was abused and had heartworm. Thank God she is ok now. She is the gentlest, most loving dog imaginable. Before her I had another I adopted from a shelter. She made me fall in love with the breed. Thank God for the HSUS. Let’s spread the word & save these precious babies. Many out there have no idea this goes on. I wish I could adopt one but on a fixed income I can’t afford it. They deserve the best. ♡♡♡

  42. Margaret Scott says:

    This is welcome news, even though we know many other animals are still suffering cruel & unnecessary testing. I would love to see those deprived, & abused dogs, when they are adopted into loving homes

  43. Anne says:

    Great news! So happy for these beagles.

  44. Carol Sidofsky says:

    I cried when I read the caring, kind, and heartfelt comments here. I’m for banning ALL animal testing, period! I’m for banning ALL pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, etc.). Let’s have ORGANIC farming, ORGANIC gardening, “live” traps (kind, quickly releasing small animals to the wild) when needed to relocate any little critters, etc.

  45. Sharon Smith says:

    Thankyou HSI for jumping through hoops to rescue these poor dogs. I fear their mental state after what they have had to endure..and for no real reason..that’s when I get angry. I remember as a kid learning beagles are used for testing. My father bred them for pets and was very selective about making sure they went to good homes. I certainly hope they did. I grew up with the pleasure of seeing the puppies when they were first born. I developed a love of dogs since then. The problem is I am now 51 years old and they’re still doing it! How many dogs have and still are suffering. I hate to imagine. Please keep up your good work.

  46. maria joana ferreira says:

    QUE BOM, OS ANIMAIS SÃO CRIATURAS DE DEUS, COMO NÓS. Joana Portugal

  47. David Woodward says:

    Another Big Win for us. I Thank Everyone Involved.

  48. June Davis says:

    I couldn’t be happier for these beautiful helpless dogs. Brought tears of relief as well. Happy long lives in lovely homes is next.

  49. Schwarzer Johanna says:

    Man muss sich immer wieder fragen, warum immer noch solche grausamen und brutalen Tier Versuche durch geführt werden. Der Fortschritt in der “Wissenschaft” ermöglichst es seit einigen Jahren, auf Tier Versuche vollends zu verzichten, weil den “Wissenschaftlern” gute und bewährte Alternativen zur Verfügung stehen, die auch genutzt werden sollten. Die Ergebnisse sind besser, als die aus Tier Versuchen und es müssen keine hilflosen Mitgeschöpfe leiden. Es sind Barbaren von “Forschern”, die leider Regierungen permanent davon überzeugen, dass Tier Versuche unerlässlich sind, weil diese Menschen schon so abgestumpft sind, dass Tier Quälereien zum Alltag gehören. Ich unterstelle, dass unter den so genannten Forschern auch Barbaren sind, denn ein verantwortungsvoller und mitleidiger Mensch könnte keinem Tier solche Leiden zufügen. Ich fordere ein Ende dieser völlig veralteten und sinnlosen Tier Quälereien!

  50. Dawn says:

    Thank you for saving these dogs.Im so happy they will get the loving life they deserve so much.God Bless each and everyone who helped to make this happen. You are all Heros

  51. Fiona Craig says:

    What wonderful news,well done and thank you. I was revolted when I read about this,what is wrong with the world? Humans are the most evil creatures on the planet, the total lack of compassion is mind blowing. I hope all 36 babies find the most wonderful homes and are loved to bits.

  52. Maryrose Hosier says:

    Wonderful news but so sad that Harvey and many of the other beagles were killed, please provide us with updates on the released beagles so we can follow their progress and find loving homes for them.

  53. Bob Suring says:

    Thanks be to God. To those guided their hearts to sighn the petition THANK YOU !! and Bless the People who did all the leg work to get them set free. I hope they post the shelters who will receive some of them I will gladly help to get them relocated. I LOVE BEAGLES !! I have 2.

  54. Stephanie Velea says:

    Congratulations! Wishing you all the best in finding the beagles a forever home.

  55. Anita says:

    Thank you Humane Society, for finding and targeting this Barbaric practice. I’m going to contact Dow Agro today and send them a letter regarding this sick, sick, demented practice

  56. STEPHANIE SIMS says:

    I would love to adopt1 or 2 puppies. We have a beagle that is 6 years old and has been a total blessing. Miss Suzan Cooper Sims is the queen bee. She needs some young ones to keep her young?

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